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Epithelial dendritic cells in pathological human oral tissues.
A Pitigala-Arachchi1, I J Crane, C Scully
1Department of Oral Medicine, Surgery & Pathology, University of Bristol, England.
Summary
This study investigated epithelial dendritic cells (EDC) in oral tissues. Lichen planus showed increased EDC, while invasive squamous cell carcinoma exhibited altered EDC, suggesting immune changes in these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oral Pathology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Epithelial dendritic cells (EDC) play a role in immune surveillance.
- Alterations in EDC populations are observed in various oral pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the distribution and density of EDC (T6+ and HLA-DR+ cells) in human oral tissues.
- To compare EDC populations in normal tissues, non-specific keratosis, lichen planus, and squamous cell carcinoma.
- To investigate potential correlations between EDC status and keratinocyte HLA-DR expression.
Main Methods:
- Acetone-fixed frozen sections of human oral tissues were used.
- Indirect immunoperoxidase staining with monoclonal antibodies OKT6 (CD1 thymocyte) and HLA-DR was performed.
- Quantitative analysis of T6+ and DR+ EDC was conducted.
Main Results:
- Lichen planus tissues had significantly higher numbers of T6+ and DR+ EDC compared to controls and non-specific keratosis.
- Invasive squamous cell carcinoma epithelium showed significantly fewer T6+ EDC and more DR+ cells than overlying/adjacent epithelium and normal tissues.
- No correlation was found between EDC density and keratinocyte HLA-DR reactivity.
Conclusions:
- Lichen planus is associated with enhanced immunological activity involving EDC.
- Invasive squamous cell carcinoma may be characterized by impaired immune responses related to EDC.
- EDC populations and their antigen expression are altered in specific oral pathological conditions.